Sebs' first time actualy listen to Piano Man by Billy Joel (Reaction!)

[@SebsDuran]

Sorry, y'all, but we did have to cut out the music here on KZbin. You can watch the full video either on X or on the Vimeo link in the description. But to all of you who joined us here on KZbin, thank you! It's honestly so helpful for you to watch this on here anyway :)

[@joshsheffield3820]

Other people are able to play the music and video ....why weren't y'all able to?

[@ahwhite2022]

I kelt waiting for the song to start, but appreciated the banter regardless.

[@michaelgodsey8990]

I am so confused. I have watched literally dozens of other reactors watch this very same video, with the typical pauses for reaction. This is the first one I have seen on your channel that you had to cut out the actual segments watching the video. What is that about?

[@allengray5748]

Dang that sucks! I also seen many reactions on this song. There are two reaction people that say at the beginning they listen through the whole song and talks after!! Wilburn I think is one?! 🕊️☮️

[@JayD-goYanks]

I kept waiting, and nothing. I’ve heard lots of reactions to this song. Very confused and disappointed.

[@scott3744]

It's a song about broken dreams, and dreams never realized. Or trying to get somewhere, and going nowhere. Lonely people. They go to the bar to forget their troubles, and the piano man makes them feel better, for a few hours on a Saturday night. But the piano player is one of them, too. He's the same as they are. He should be doing better, but he's not. They all recognize it. That's why they ask "Man, what are you doin' here?" What a great old song 👍🙂

[@aebalc]

"The piano sounds like a carnival." But the bar is actually a sad place full of people "sharing a drink they call loneliness" because it is "better than drinking alone." Masterpiece!

[@scott3744]

@@aebalc Well said 👍

[@realcoyotekings]

This.

[@casalaiz4413]

Excellently and well said. Thanks!

[@russleslie36]

Billy Joel actually worked as a piano man in a bar in L.A. before he made it. So it's biographical in a sense.

[@PatrickORourke-yz3xn]

I think he said this was basically autobiographical and it the place was in LA somewhere right before he exploded.

[@thomasfreeman2088]

Lol your both kinda right....he was hiding out in LA avoiding his record label because he had a better offer from another label. He worked another name while there as a piano player in an Italian restaurant's bar. It's a fascinating story to hear.

[@seanscanlon9067]

Billy Joel had recorded his debut album prior to the job at the piano bar, but he had signed a bad record deal and so he basically went off grid so as to wait out the contract. He played there under the name Bill Martin, with Martin being his middle name and at the end of the actual video if they had let it roll on a little longer, it shows a poster of him with his name as Bill Martin playing there. So he played piano in a bar with his wife waitressing as mentioned, just to make ends meet. And just for good measure, getting back to the debut album, the master tapes were recorded at the wrong speed and so Billy's voice sounded higher like Alvin and the Chipmunks.

[@zanhar7688]

Billy Joel's range was remarkable...he wrote a song dedicated to the Righteous Brothers where he covered both of them. When he played it live a band-member supplied the high harmony, since he couldn't do them both at once😁. 'Until the Night'

[@julibugable]

I thought he had gone to Memphis for inspiration.

[@BirchLeafPhotography]

This song is an anthem to the piano man, men who play music and are essentially ignored by the folks in the bar, until it's time for them to request a song. He's observant, and sees so many patrons come and go and learns a lot about "the human condition" as all this plays out every night. I was in the Navy, and whenever the part about Davy being in the Navy for life came along, we would all sing at the top of our voices because it's how we felt. As far as Billy Joel goes - icon. His main gift is storytelling. The music is secondary, IMHO. He is an extremely talented pianist, whose parents had him study classical music from the age of 4 and wanted him to play classical music, but he went another direction, with much success

[@grammyb5216]

Thank you so much. I’m 64 and my kids are taking me to see him for the first time. ♥️♥️♥️

[@terri2494]

A week ago he released his first new song in 17 years. “Turn the Lights Back On”. Billy Joel is top tier. Phenomenal talent. True musician and poet. “Piano Man” describes people he knew from his time working at a popular Los Angeles bar. “John at the bar” was probably one of the many hopefuls who live in the LA area, trying to balance the practical need to work for a living with the ongoing struggle to find success as an actor.

[@reallybadgamer]

He's amazing and so humble. He completely defined my music growing up in the 80's. So happy to have that experience.-

[@bluelionvintage8134]

This is a lot deeper than you're going with it, Sebs. It is a masterpiece. It speaks of shattered dreams, sadness, and people just trying to get by. Billy Joel is an amazing poet and music maker

[@RealDrunkenMaster]

In the live version he sings, plays harmonica, and plays piano all at the same time. It is amazing.

[@BEATLEMANIAC1970]

seen him twice. once at wrigley field. loved it.

[@BluesImprov]

It's called "growing up". . .The older you get the more songs with lyrics like this will begin to ring true to you. And that's because the longer you live the more "perspective" you have on life. You see how things play out in people's lives in a variety of ways that you can now appreciate and understand better. This song is brilliant!

[@kestrelle5345]

"Scenes From An Italian Restaurant " is everything.

[@darkjedi447]

You can tell that the female reactor really 'gets' the song and the emotions of the lyrics. Wise woman. Well done! Thanks for the reaction. Keep smiling 👍 🙂

[@tchrishoward]

He was born May 9,1949, song was released November 2, 1973. He was 24 years 5 months 23 days old when it was released. (Not when it was written)

[@angelskunk2206]

Movin’ Out Only The Good Die Young She’s Always A Woman Just The Way You Are We Didn’t Start The Fire Honesty Say Goodbye to Hollywood Still Rock& Roll New York State of Mind You May Be Right My Life She’s Got A Way Big Shot Plus so many more that I can’t think of right now. Billy Joel is a BEAST!

[@traciemack6168]

Yes, by all means, y'all should check out all of these. I would love to hear you react to each one!

[@PaulSmith-ep5lj]

Pressure too

[@elizabethbertucci9313]

Scenes from an Italian restaurant

[@Ancestral_Amalisa]

Prelude/Angry Young Man (live. The piano playing is outstanding) The Entertainer, You,re My Home, The Ballad of Billy the Kid, Captain Jack

[@ddresely]

Downeaster Alexa, we Didn’t Start the Fire,

[@CharleneRoozRE]

PLEASE PLEASE react to Billy Joel singing "New York State of Mind" live on The Old Grey Whistle Test. Mind-blowing. Easily one of the BEST singer/songwriters. A rabbit hole worth diving into. Thanks for the reaction!

[@brendaclark8344]

that is the COOLEST song of all time!

[@amyaeschbach3581]

Please please New York State of Mind!!!!!!❤❤❤

[@johnkendall6558]

if you like that song, you should checkout the version with Billy and Miley - banger

[@stuBdoc]

Also a tribute to Ray Charles and his vocal and piano style, in case you missed it

[@MrDarkMagnus]

Wow, thanks. I'll have to check out that particular OGWS video. One of my favorite videos is a 'Whistle Stop' session with Humble Pie and the Blackberrys. The vocal interplay between Steve Marriott and the Blackberrys is off the chart, as is the obvious joy of performing. The song is " Black Coffee ".

[@citizenghosttown]

I loved this song as a kid. And I love it even more as an adult -- when you realize that its about unrealized dreams. And the power of music to lift us up. Bittersweet and beautiful.

[@medicisdad1]

He actually plays harmonica AND piano and sings on the original song. As well as others. I miss those days.

[@Pianomn626]

Don't forget, he also plays the accordion in this song too.

[@tiacalhoun3841]

Billy Joel is an amazing artist, we didn’t start the fire was his “genius moment” that song is insane…it’s about all the important people, places and events of the first 40yrs of his life

[@dollartreetankgirl]

I absolutely love We Didn't Start the Fire! It might be my favorite Billy Joel song. I had an amazing social studies teacher in year 8 that had us research all the references. It was such a fun way to learn 20th century events, and I know every word to this day. Sebs, you definitely need to check that one out!

[@tiacalhoun3841]

@@dollartreetankgirl I love it as well, such a great idea….check out Fall Out Boys version, same concept but newer people, places and events 😉 please come back and let me know what ya think

[@dollartreetankgirl]

@tiacalhoun3841 oh I've heard it! I love Fallout Boy, it was a great update to the original!

[@tiacalhoun3841]

@@dollartreetankgirl agreed

[@jackielouise7538]

Yes, you must do 'We Didn't Start the Fire', it's amazing and so is the video. In my opinion, Billy Joel hasn't ever released a bad song. He's an amazingly talented guy.

[@thomasmilazzo6273]

He's not the piano man....He's, THE PIANO MAN.

[@jonniiinferno9098]

shhh - dont say that too loudly - Elton john might hear you - and you dont wanna piss him off 😜

[@austenrobinson2747]

Oh Elton knows his skills. Would have loved to see them together when they were on tour.

[@Tessie46255]

Another treat from Billy is New York State of mind. He really shows off his piano skills and of course his voice is fantastic. ❤

[@goofygrin63]

Love that song

[@Bluesman1-6560]

I’ve known Billy Joel for 30 years and he is no joke, he can write like a poet but more than that he can write real life, he sings and it comes to life. and he can play any style, you pick the decade and watch and listen while he takes you back to those days, i love me some Billy Joel, truly a rock God

[@Janesorensen84014]

Billy Joel and Elton John in concert together- was amazing 🤩

[@darrinlindsey]

That was my dream concert. I never got to see it. I have seen some clips.

[@jasonwhoever5528]

I saw it! It was 🔥

[@Lakeshore14]

I agree. One of the best concerts ever!! 👍

[@markvanderstelt8999]

Face To Face Tour

[@goosebump801]

I just got my ticket to see Billy Joel and Sting in concert together. I’m SO excited! 🎉🎉❤️

[@IZZY_EDIBLE]

My wife and I saw Billy Joel on tour a few months back. The man still plays and sings as well as on his decades-old albums. Such an entertainer. One of the greatest singer/songwriter/instrumentalists of all time. So many hits that night, I sang every single song with Billy, along with about a thousand others at the concert.

[@dougww1ectebow]

That song launched his career. It was in the top of the charts forever back in the day and I've been a fan ever since.

[@lindamcmahan977]

Ali, you could never be annoying. Joel is an icon legendary and amazing great story teller. Peace and Love to You, Ali and the girls ✌️♥️

[@tricialebanno4437]

I love the story behind this song - he is an amazing treasure of an artist that we've been lucky to experience in this lifetime.

[@Xandrosi]

Billy Joel is to New York and Long Island what Bruce Springsteen is to New Jersey. You've scratched the surface of a deep well of classics.

[@yellawerder3279]

As a musician since the 70's, I've played many dives around the country. And Billy Joel nails it. Every one of the people and things he sings about are just like he describes. The accuracy of the whole scene is uncanny. His writing is just some of the very best ever!!

[@DanielRyan-t6w]

Billy Joel singer-songwriter Genius River of Dreams I Didn't Start the Fire My Life Scenes From An Italian Restaurant and loads of others married to Christine Brinkley for a short while, and nice to see you lovely couple again sparking off each other

[@Cobalt_Dragon0716]

Christie, not Christine

[@jenniferparker5189]

Just to clarify it's "We didn't start the fire" not "I"

[@grandpascottshodgepodge9318]

I FINALLY got a chance to see Billy Joel perform live a few months ago. He's still absofreakalultely amazing.

[@johncurtis7186]

After the Beatles, Billy Joel, is my favorite musical act of all time…incredible songwriter/singer. Have seen him 4 times in concert! Deep catalogue of great songs!!!

[@CharleneRoozRE]

My thoughts exactly!

[@kimkay2896]

Billy Joel has a brilliantly poetic style of articulating the image and feeling he’s trying to share. Paired with his beautifully musical composition is always striking. Adding the fact that all his songs come from personal experiences is what makes Billy Joel such an icon. He’s a rare gem!

[@bluzeman1975]

She’s right, you need to check out more Billy Joel. He’s definitely one of the true story_tellers of our time. I noticed you mentioned The Keys in Salt Lake. I lived near there for 6 years and used to go to the Keys about once or twice a month. AWESOME place and definitely my favorite in SLC. It’s a great time. For sure go check it out.

[@channonskinner50]

My husband and I went to his concert in March for our honeymoon. It was breathtaking to hear 64000 people sing his song's chorus back to him.

[@Raudoc2k1]

Billy Joel has a way with words like few others. I was lucky enough back in high school to have gotten to see him live in concert. This was the late '90's. Man what a show. During one of his songs while he was playing at one of the many keyboard on the stage doing a solo, the thing just died. Billy gave it a few seconds then ran down to his Grand Piano and finished the solo and the rest of the song there. Technical issues during a show can happen its how you react to them that determin how the show is remembered. Of the few concerts that I have seen they all shine for different reasons. Billy Joel stands out because of the way he handled things when things went off script.

[@mellycook]

Billy is called the Piano Man. He’s even received a Kennedy Center Honors. He’s got a huge great catalog. You need to take a deep dive into his catalog. “I didn’t start the fire” “Scenes from an Italian restaurant “ “Big Shot” “tell her about it” “uptown girl” and many more

[@amyaeschbach3581]

Always a Woman!!!!!!!!

[@kevinkaurin8383]

Makes me miss Cheers and Friends. I had a Co-Worker as a Bus Depot Ticket Agent working the day shift and at night he was a piano man at a downtown bar. He was classically trained and was just "waiting for his turn at Carnegie Hall". Which he was actually good enough to do! What he was doing in the middle of Montana I do not know. He was an existentialist and he believed in self healing and levitation. Knew the Bible inside and out, but not a Christian. One day just before I went off to school I could see he was clearly down and shaken - he was having severe pain in his hands and forearms. I was witnessing his fall from all his self beliefs and dreams. It was heartbreaking. There are people in your life like this song that you wonder if they ever found true happiness... If you ran across them 20-30-40 years later, what would they say?

[@Kathie-np8ge]

My generation The 60’s, 70’s, and I can’t believe i am 71 years old. These old songs make you feel happy about life

[@jameslapham4326]

The first time I heard this I had just pulled into a parking space and just sat there with the engine running until it was over. What a great poet and musician!

[@DaveIdiens]

One of the best lyricists ever . He writes all of his songs. His background in music is exceptional. Worth checking out! Thanks 🙏

[@dragonreader3817]

He sings what he knows with a lot of true story songs that didn’t make it to the radio. “Leningrad” “Downeaster Alexa” “Goodnight Saigon” “Goodnight,my Angel”.

[@markmyers6472]

I always appreciated the way the song slows down at the end... sounding like a carousel slowing down to a stop... like the lyric... The piano sounds like a carnival.....

[@lilpoohbear653]

it's absolutely a masterpiece tune

[@GS-xt8fu]

His list of hits…amazing. Singer, songwriter,composer and amazing instrumentalist. A true artist in every sense.

[@donuttech635]

When he performs this song he actually plays piano and harmonica at the same time. What a talented person!

[@jamesmcdaniel9601]

Excellent reaction to a legend. I'm super stoked. Been a huge fan of Billy Joel since I was 13 or 14. I'm almost 50 now and the stars finally aligned for me I get to see Billy Joel in St. Louis in September. He's 1 of 3 I've wanted to see for as long as 8 can remember. More Billy Joel please.

[@greendragonpublishing]

Billy Joel is amazing. I've seen him in concert six times, and each time it's new and fantastic. New York state of Mind, Scenes from an Italian restaurant (if you like story songs, this is 3-in-1), Vienna, just so many. His first album came out in 1971. He just released a new song this month. STILL making music after 52 years!

[@lalalalasmith4903]

Highly recommend watching his live versions of songs. He’s such a showman. Watching him play the piano is mesmerizing

[@jasonwhoever5528]

Good afternoon y'all. I hope you're well. New York State of mind live from the old grey whistle is AMAZING. I personally think it's his best performance.

[@scottdonohue3379]

Billy Joel is an amazing talent! He’s a great pianist and an incredible songwriter. His song library is full of wonderful hits! You should definitely take a deeper dip into his music, I guarantee that you WILL NOT be disappointed. Big Shot, You May Be Right, The Stranger, We Didn’t Start The Fire, An Innocent Man are all great and there are so many more.

[@johncentamore1052]

I read an article a number of years ago about an elementary school chorus doing an evening of Billy Joel songs. The teacher wrote to his manager or whoever and told him what they were doing and invited Billy to attend. She got basically, that's nice, we'll see. Five minutes after the show started, Billy snuck into the auditorium, sat by himself in the back, and stayed for the whole show, making a quick exit at the end.Only those facing the audience knew he was there.

[@Another_User_Name_]

One of the all-time greats. I was lucky enough to see him in concert on New Year's Eve this year. At 74 years old, he still put on a great performance.

[@jamesmiller1048]

I really like the fact that you two took the time to really understand the song and in doing so gave you so much more of an appreciation for it. Bill Joel is an amazing songwriter and an even better storyteller.

[@VroodenTheGreat]

I once asked on a thread about this song on one of his videos "What is a real estate novelist?" Billy actually replied and told me "he is a real estate guy and he's writing a novel" basically, no prospects. I had to hand it to him for replying to me.

[@GillDawe]

Oh you have so many amazing songs ahead of you!! I knew a couple of Billy Joel songs as a kid but not more than 2 or 3. I picked up a double LP of his Greatest Hits Volumes 1 & 2 when I was 20 and have been a diehard fan ever since. I bet you there are a dozen songs of his that you've heard before but just didn't realize who it was. Definitely recommend Scene from An Italian Restaurant, River of Dreams, Moving Out, The Stranger, Uptown Girl, basically every song. Even his new song "Turn The Lights Back On" I haven't been able to stop listening to!!

[@drewjayhan8324]

This song is so great. Its a philosophical pondering of your own potential vs. your own reality. Life has a way of pushing dreams aside or in different directions. It’s one of my fav songs lyrically.

[@isinlarsa5996]

Billy Joel was hiding out playing in a piano bar because he was in a contract dispute with his his record label. So the people in the bar were getting an "A" performer in a "C" place; so "Man, what are you doing here."

[@zebra5591]

There was this local restaurant my dad used to take me every Friday night as a kid for "boys night out". Everytime we went there some guy was playing this song. Such a beautiful memory

[@issy-colin]

A lesser known song from Billy Joel which has absolutely amazing lyrics and arrangement is Goodnight Saigon. A masterpiece that never got the acclaim it deserved.

[@geoffmower8729]

My wife and I went to a piano bar to catch up with some friends. This guy on the piano was being ignored for most of the night. People were loudly talking over his playing and were very rude. Then all of a sudden he started to play piano man and the room went silent. The crowd started singing along and by the end of the song the whole room was cheering and clapping it was amazing.

[@fb-gj7yi]

Piano man is a simple, to the point song about the reality of life for some, and a brief escape from it. Drinking was also more prevalent then. The waitress practicing politics, hearing their problems and avoiding/deflecting passes.

[@gregleblanc9357]

She's right. Billy Joel has a ton of great songs. Super talented.

[@blindeyedog01]

Billy Joel is a pro. He's written many great songs and his live performancrs are great. ❤

[@sedatedape315]

I was 12 when this hit the radio playlist. Fell in musical LOVE!!! Within a few short weeks, just hearing it on the radio, I learned all the lines and sang along. "The Piano Man" is probably the 2nd most sung along-with song in bars, behind "American Pie." Billy Joel has a library that expands decades! He has gone on tour with Elton John, the "other" piano man!

[@llanitedave]

The main difference is that with Piano Man, they actually understand the lyrics!

[@jasonlouis697]

The first cassettes I bought with my own money were Billy Joel's Glass Houses and Styx's Paradise Theater. My family knows how much I love Billy. Actually, I was in an induced coma several years ago and my sister played a little Billy Joel for me. The nurse came in and made her turn it of because I was responding to the music and they wanted me quiet. He can bring me out of a freaking coma! That's magic.

[@Mikaracat]

Billy Joel has an incredible list of songs to react to. Some are exceptionally well-known like 'New York State of Mind' or 'We Didn't Start the Fire'. He's got a couple that are very autobiographical, but still bouncy and fun like 'The Entertainer' which (funnely enough) references 'Piano Man'. And if you feel like taking a dive into some of his more serious stuff? 'Good Night, Saigon' is exceptional.

[@lindaingallsobrien4217]

I remember singing this song in 1979. I was a Senior in H. S. Our chorus volunteered to do this and I remember them handing out rafle tickets at the door. I sang my song, but there was a party going on by the Mississippi River bluffs. So I sang and then went to the party. It was volunteeer.... well I won - only thing I have ever won - the raffle. They kept calling out my name & number on the raffle ticket - and this was all on a local TV network. My chorus teacher said "I don't know where she is but she is in big trouble" He had given me all A's but gave me an F. Ha Ha

[@JBSRCS]

Yes, we don’t have many true poets and true musicians anymore. I am grateful to have lived through the music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. This is by far my favorite song of Billy Joel’s, but check out the lyrics to We Didn’t Start the Fire. Brilliant.

[@sallymarkey3759]

My dear friends, the only thing better than hearing and seeing Piano Man again is watching you two responding and appreciating the genius of Billy Joel. I’m 77 years old and I thank the Universe that this was my music when I was your age and I thank you for making me feel it so poignantly again.

[@Jude_196]

SO MANY GOOD SONGS this man has come-out with!! GOSH - he's just SO SUPER TALENTED!! ANY Billy Joel song is a GREAT SONG!! Enjoy the rabbit hole, ya'll!! HUGS!

[@mitchrobinson3076]

I subscribed today because of this reaction. Not only is Billy Joel on of the best piano players ever, his lyrics are genius and his voice is amazing. Please react to more Billy Joel. Vienna is an incredibly beautiful song, but just one of so many. My favorite poetic line in this sing is when he describes John and states that the smile ran away from his face. So brilliant.

[@nancy9891]

Thanks so much for this. I was 18 in 1973 and heard this song so many times but never listened to it. Such a treasure. Like a Bob Dylan song with the harmonica!

[@cindydegraaff5083]

No matter how many songs he’s written, at every concert, people shout out “Piano Man“! to him. He’s a genius musician and a poetic songwriter. Take a deep dive into his discography.

[@ElectricKnight.]

When you have been a standout musician, struggling to survive, playing small bars - the line, "Man, what are you doing here?", hits deep. There are so many out there, and not all of them make it, but we celebrate the ones who do and thank them for their songs. ❤

[@shari_m925]

I've seen Billy in concert several times. Most awesome thing is when he plays Piano Man towards the end of the night and the entire arena sings the last chorus TO him - every time. The musicians stop playing, Billy turns towards the crowd, and just they let the audience sing.

[@kevinl.johnson4549]

Billy used to come to my end of New York and play the college circuit back in the early 70s. His music has been a part of my life for long. A true artist and Yankees fan!

[@PUGZ-n-STITCHES]

He's one of the best song writers/story tellers ever!! He doesn't have a bad song!!

[@lauriebarilla5349]

Really enjoy your heartfelt and insightful comments re the music of my generation (born 1955, yes, I’m a boomer). I see that you’re exploring Billy Joel’s music - perhaps his most recent composition - Turn the Lights Back On - written after a 30 year song writing hiatus will interest you. It’s about a long term marriage and I truly believe that virtually every married woman in the world would at some point in her marriage feel unseen. Here’s Billy’s answer to that dilemma. Thank you again!!!

[@NikkiArnet-lr7cw]

Before he was famous, and i was about 16 i saw him play at an all-ages show in my hometown, as the keyboard player for a Long Island rock band called The Hassels. He's been working at this for a long time. And has really honed his craft.

[@michellejackson6679]

I remember going to a piano bar in NYC.. it's was 20 yrs ago but to much fun.. You just asked the guy to play a song and he could.. it was amazing and everyone would sing.. for a $10 tip... I think I went to one in New Orleans too.. just fun memories.. I'm sure nowadays it's a $30 tip but I would love to go to a piano bar again..

[@daloremarques4716]

You will never hear this girl say, "Nahhh. I don't feel like listening to Billy Joel". I never tire of him. Such a phonomonal singer, songwriter and musician.

[@BrianMorin-t3c]

Each one he highlights is wishing they were some where else in their lives, but for some reason they all never left to seek it, so they stay where they are in life. Great job Ali and Sebs!!

[@jimfrederick3907]

Play this, followed by "Hey Jude" & "American Pie" and every bar turns into a karaoke festival!

[@jenf4624]

The documentary called “Last Play at Shea” documents his history/career, one of his concerts - the last concert ever at Shea Stadium before it was torn down, and a little history on the NY Mets all in one. It’s a great concert and a pretty good watch overall.

[@samuellord8576]

I love your reactions to this. It’s so relevant to cover the social meaning instead of just the musical aspects. A masterpiece! Take care! ❤

[@ericwilson5453]

This speaks of my childhood. Thinking of my dad. He took me to see Billy Joel on his bridge tour when I was a kid. I still remember it.

[@maricepelletier2107]

"Always a Woman to Me" is beautiful. Great reaction from a wonderful couple - thank you.

[@Airihi]

I remember Billy Joel being on the Howard Stern show and saying that he never writes songs for himself to sing. That he writes them with a particular artist in mind and how they'd sing it. But that when he offered them to the artists they always declined. At first because he wasn't well known and later because they felt they couldn't sing a song written by him better than he could. And he felt someone had to sing them so he would record them. I think the interview was early 2000s. Wish I could hear it again

[@bellodrade]

There's no pleading. It's just life. Like what Eugene O'Neil had wanted to convey. It is the small joyful moments one should treaure in the muck that we all must wade through. Billy helped provide those moments way back when. And is still doing so.

[@jennifergivens1005]

No one does storytelling as beautifully as Billy Joel. He is so talented! Love you two and your reactions! 💕

[@betsylocario6453]

Billy Joel has such a portfolio of great songs, that it's hard to pick just one. Piano Man is a top one, but also Honesty, We Didn't Start the Fire, Uptown Girl, New York State of Mind, etc., etc.. But my favorite of the music videos he did is "Keeping the Faith", all about his younger life. Christie Brinkley does a cameo, but all the words have meaning to his life.

[@mikeyd7749]

A friend of mine back on Long Island started a Billy Joel tribute band called "Big Shot" several years ago. Billy Joel heard about it and my friend and his band actually played with him at Madison Square Garden in NYC. His name is Michael DelGuidice.

[@raymiller8555]

Please add Summer Highland Falls and Goodnight Saigon to your Billy Joel playlist. One will put you in awe with respect to his piano playing and the other will tug at your heartstrings as he interprets the experience of Vietnam. Both songs are masterpieces

[@strangeworldsunlimited712]

This is the first song off his second album. His first album, Cold Spring Harbor, was a mess and recorded wrong, but he'd signed away all of his rights so there was little he could do about it. So, he left New York, fled to Los Angeles to "disappear" and try to get out of the contract. He worked in a bar in L.A., his wife was the waitress in the bar, and he took the lyrics from his actual experiences and people in the bar. He eventually signed with Columbia Records who helped him get out of his first contract, and Piano Man was the next album.

[@anonymike8280]

The background of this song is that in the 1970s he was under a contract with six months to go on it which the entity that held it would not release him from. So what he did to make some income was play in a club for the duration. That's the origin of that "What are you doing here?" line. The song "She's Always A Woman To Me" is not just a musical companion piece and a good flip side but another part of the same story. The woman of whom he speaks was his wife, who became the person who negotiated his contracts thereafter. He was speaking of her capacities as a business negotiator. Who would have guessed? Reply

[@sylvanaire]

Even knowing when this song was released, I couldn’t tell you when I heard it for the 1st time, whether I liked it instantly or if it grew on me, I never bought any of his albums or went to see him in concert. But his music saturated the airwaves & became part of the ether. He’s just iconic.

[@VicEclectica]

Scenes From an Italian Restaurant tells a great story. Movin' Out, Vienna, Only the Good Die Young... so, so many songs to choose from.

[@yeah_its_Ron]

builds characters in a line or two, putting you right there. he's such a storyteller

[@lenandtamaraevans]

All through the song he’s signing the song for the man at the start. No words just melody.

[@jamesdagenais6494]

In the video "Uptown Girl", the model was actually Billy Joel's wife, Christy Brinkley. She was a super-model and unfortunately that marriage didn't last, but they do have a daughter together.

[@jeffkistler6600]

Gotta see him live , when he plays this the 50,000 people sing and he plays . Amazing 👏 I've seen him 3 times , once with Sir Elton John on dueling pianos

[@hfoor11]

Billy Joel had a motorcycle accident in 1982 which messed up his left thumb and wrist, after it healed it was basically a hammer thumb allowing him to pound on the keyboard with ferocity.

[@pjg58x]

Great reaction guys. That last line is very interesting because basically it implies that the piano man himself is not doing what he wants to or should be doing, just like the others he sings about.